Notes: This weird agaric is a parasite on a member of the Russula nigricans group. Note the lack of gills on the underside of the parasite and the powdery chlamydospores on the top of the cap, by which the fungus spreads. See also http://botit.botany.wisc.edu/toms_fungi/dec2005.html

Comments

The chlamydospores on the cap are formed by mitosis and are asexual, rather than being formed by meiosis like the basidiospores in a hymenium. thus there are no basidia on the cap or on the underside. therefore no hymenium. it’s a keen mushroom.

Unless you’re the one being parasitized, of course…first saw this one in Pennsylvania at a NEMF foray; a nice sop for hunting in hundred degree weather. So very uncivilized. Give me the cool of a CA mushroom season any day…